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Due to Covid 19, our services are currently suspended until further notice. If you have an urgent enquiry please email us at support@rapid-visas.co.uk .and and if we can assist, than an answer will be provided within 48 hours. Our phone lines will not be answered.
For UK Passport queries, please contact HMPO Passport office on 0300 222 0000 or visit gov.uk

UK PASSPORT NAME CHANGES:

CHANGE OF DETAILS TO BRITISH PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM REQUIREMENTS

Application Form

Click here to request application pack via email

Overview

The Passport Application Form is the first requirement for any kind of British passport application. The form is an A3-sized brown document with 10 sections that is issued by Her Majesty's Passport Office. The same form is used for all types of passport applications, however the way it is completed differs. You will find guidance below on how to successfully complete it.

Where to obtain it

The passport application form can be obtained from:

  • Rapid British Passports; we send the form to our clients by post or courier if needed.
  • Some post offices; to locate a post office that has the form go to: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder and select “passport Check & Send” in the service drop down menu.

How to complete the application form

General requirements

  • The form must be completed in black ink.
  • Writing must be in block capital letters.
  • All written answers need to be within the white boxes on the form.
  • Minor mistakes can be crossed out in black ink. Correction fluid is not permitted.
  • If you make more than three mistakes on any line or do not provide a clear signature in Section 9, you should complete a new application form.

Guidance per section

Section 1: What type of passport are you applying for?

  • Cross the Changes box for the “type of passport application”.
  • By default, you will receive a 32-page passport. If you would like a 48-page passport cross the appropriate box.

Section 2: Who is the passport for?

  • Complete Section 2 as you would like it to appear on your passport. If you are changing your name, put your new name in the “Surname” and “First and middle names” boxes and put your previous names in the ‘Maiden or all previous names' boxes.
  • If there is a middle name, leave a gap between the two names.
  • If you no longer want your middle name to be included on your new passport when it has previously been, state this in Section 8. If you don't it will automatically be added to match what is on your previous passport.
  • If you spell your name differently, or change the order of your names or add a new name that is not on your previous passport, then you will need to provide evidence of the name change.
  • Provide proof of your name change if this is different from your supporting documents. You must send proof to support every name change. This applies if you are getting married or forming a civil partnership and you want your passport to be in your new name.
  • List all of your maiden or previous names that you have been known by (surname first, then first or middle names). Leave a space between each name. If they won't fit in the boxes, write them in full in Section 8.
  • You cannot change a child's name unless you have the permission of everyone who has a parental responsibility of the child.
  • A limited number of titles can be added to your British passport if you request this. For example professional titles such as doctor, judge, QC and so on.
  • Provide a full residential UK address. The Passport Office may check that you live at the address given. If they discover you do not live there, this may delay your application unless you provide an explanation of the circumstances in Section 8.
  • The Passport Office will return your passport to the address given. If you want it delivered elsewhere, you must explain why, and give the return address in Section 8. This does not apply to clients using Rapid British Passports as we collect them from the Passport Office personally and send them back to you.
  • Cross the relevant box to indicate whether you are male or female. If you are transgender or if you have changed or are in the process of changing your gender, you must send in supporting documents with your application. Additional guidance information is available for transgender or transsexual applicants here.
  • Provide the names of the town and country you were born in. These details must match what is stated on your birth, registration, or naturalisation certificate, or previous British passport.
  • Please provide a UK address and UK telephone number only. International contact information will not be accepted. If you have a text relay number, write this in Section 8 if you cannot fit it in the boxes given.

Section 3: Have you had or been included on a passport before?

  • Cross “Yes” and complete the information of your current passport.

Section 4: Parent's details

  • Not applicable.

Section 5: Certificate of registration or naturalisation

  • Not applicable.

Section 6: Children aged 12-15

  • Not applicable.

Section 7: Blank

  • Leave blank

Section 8: More information

Use Section 8 to

  • Complete a section you have not been able to fully complete due to a lack of space (e.g. your names could not fit in the dedicated boxes)
  • Explain the reason why a signature could not be provided in Sections 6 or 9. You can also attach a letter of explanation from an appropriate person such as a career, doctor, parent or social worker.
  • Add any extra information to support your application.

Section 9: Declaration

  • Please ensure your signature does not touch the borders of the box.

Section 10: Countersignature

  • Not applicable.

CHANGE OF DETAILS TO BRITISH PASSPORT AUTHORISATION LETTER REQUIREMENTS

AUTHORISATION LETTER

Click here to request application pack via email

Application Form

Overview

In order for a person other than yourself to collect your new passport on your behalf and lodge all of your application documents, a letter of authorisation needs to be provided.

Alongside all of your other documents which support and uphold your passport application, when applying through our agency, Rapid British Passports, the authorisation letter must also be included.

After filling out the order form you will receive a template that we have prepared for you to make the process easier.

The authorisation letter contains

Remember to address your letter of authorisation to Her Majesty's Passport Office and to include:

Your personal information:

  • Your name (s), including first name, middle names and surname.
  • Your handwritten signature and the date you signed the form

Agency information, Rapid British Passports:

  • The official title of the agency
  • The official contact details of the agency
  • The first name and surname of the agent at Rapid British Passports who will lodge your application documents and go to pick up your passport when it is ready for collection.
  • The official, handwritten signature of the same agent

As is standard, for verification purposes your Rapid British Passports' agent must show photographic proof of their identity.

The statement:

“This is to certify that I ....................................................... (applicant's name) authorise my agent, whose signature is verified below, to lodge my application for a ………………. passport and to collect my new passport on my behalf.”

CHANGE OF DETAILS TO BRITISH PASSPORT OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Other Documents

Click here to request application pack via email

Application Form

Other Documents for name changes on your passport

When making a name change to your passport, additional information will be needed as described below in the table:


Reason for change Required Information

Changes to your surname (married and civil partnership)
  • Marriage certificate or Civil partnership certificate

Changes to your first name
  • Enrolled deed poll certificate

Change when reverting back to you maiden name
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate showing yours and former spouses full name
  • A signed statement informing you that you now use your maiden name for all purposes
  • A decree absolute showing both names

Changing your name due to spelling changes
  • Letter from the council or government department
  • Driving license
  • Bank statement

The above is a guide to the supporting documentation additional to the normal passport application requirements when applying for a name change.

We always instruct clients to scan in all their information to us before sending their application so that we can undertake a pre check reducing the risk of rejection and delays.In order to familiarise yourself with the exact requirements needed for your application or return back to the page you have just visited from, please select from below:

CHANGE OF DETAILS TO BRITISH PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Two Passport Photos

Click here to request application pack via email

Application Form

Overview

Two photographs, which meet specific requirements, need to be provided along with your application form for you to apply for a passport. If these requirements fail to be met, the application process could be much slower or your application could be rejected completely, so it's important to get it right first time.

Where can I get my passport photos taken for my application?

Although there are a number of options, we personally recommend Photo-Me booths, found at many supermarkets and even some post offices in England, Scotland and Wales. If this is not an option for you, you could hire a professional photographer to do the same job.

For residents who are not in the United Kingdom, we recommend you visit a professional photographer, as the quality public photo booths abroad cannot be guaranteed to meet the standards of a UK passport application.

How to get correct photo

What should the photos be like?

  • Size wise, we require you to provide photos which are 45mm high and 35mm wide.
  • Printed either by a professional or in a professional way.
  • not taken from a larger picture or pictures
  • we only accept photographs which are in colour and on plain white photographic paper
  • the background for your photos should be a plain cream or light grey
  • have no differentiation between the two photos (ie, they need to be identical)
  • not any older than one month old
  • with no visible creases or tears
  • with no marks on either side, unless a photo has been countersigned
  • not tampered with by any computer program or software, like Photoshop
Change of details to British Passport - Photo

The portrait needs to display

  • The applicant's shoulders and full head.
  • applicant's eyes should only face forward, directly looking at the camera
  • containing no other people, objects, food or other items
  • of a size that is between 29mm and 34mm high from the very top of your head (including hair) to your chin
  • an expressionless face and closed mouth
  • not hats or scarves (unless worn for reasons of religious or medical importance)
  • Eyes should always be open, and in no circumstances contain reflection from glasses. We strongly suggest the applicant removes his or her glasses for the passport photograph.
  • no redness in the eyes from the flash
  • shadows should not be visible
  • a clear contrast between the background and the face of the applicant
Change of details to British Passport - Valid Photo

Changes of Details on your British Passport Application Process

Click here to request application pack via email

Application Form

When it is required

You are required to apply for a new passport if you have changed:

  • Your name - by civil partnership, deed poll, marriage, or adds middle names, or goes back to your maiden name.
  • Gender - even if you keep the same name.
  • How you spell your name, e.g. changing from Jane to Jayne.

You don't need a new passport if you:

  • Change your title, job, contact details or address.
  • change your appearance, e.g. you dye your hair
  • emigrate
  • change your marital status but keep your name
  • get nationality of another country whilst also holding British nationality

Length of application process

Her Majesty's Passport Office

The standard length of the application with Her Majesty's Passport Office is 3 weeks, assuming that your application is submitted correctly the first time and is processed without delay. An urgent service is also available but is subject to your ability to book an appointment with the Passport Office.

Rapid British Passports

If you would like to avoid the hassle, you can apply with Rapid British Passports and have it processed on the same day, the next day or in one week's time.

Important note

  • If you are applying from outside of the UK, click here.
  • The appropriate documents must be sent with your application. Don't hesitate to phone Rapid British Passports if you have any doubts.
  • We are required by the passport office to pay for all applications prior to booking. We book all our submissions once all documents have arrived to ensure that no risk of fee loss occurs. Note that our processing time will begin from the booked appointment date.

Required Documents

To change the order your names appear, add a name or change the way it's spelt

Letter from a local council or government department, driving licence, bank statement, baptism or confirmation certificate containing the way you'd like your name to appear on your passport.

Service Fee

Same Day
£ 250*

This service takes 12 hours to deliver your passport, from the moment when your documents have been submitted to British Passport.

Next Day
£ 210*

This service takes 24 hours to deliver your passport, from the moment when your documents have been submitted to British Passport.

One Week
£ 180*

This service takes 1 week to deliver your passport from the moment when your documents have been submitted to British Passport.

*Service fees listed above are subject to VAT and do not include Passport fees to Her Majesty's Passport Office (32-page/48-page passport - £128/137)

Order your passport now

Benefits of applying with us

You don't have to go anywhere.

By using us as your acting agency, all you have to do is send us your application from your local post office or by courier.

Your application is processed immediately.

As a specialised passport agency we are authorised to submit applications on our clients' behalf at Her Majesty's Passport office without the need to book any appointments.

Your documents are checked before sending.

Your agent will check your items before applying for your passport in order to avoid delays and rejection.

We provide professional customer service.

Our agents are on-hand via email and phone to assist with any type of query you might have.

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Rapid Visas Ltd

180 Piccadilly

London

W1J 9HF

0845 224 9482

info@rapid-visas.com

Monday - Friday
 9am to 5pm